Sarah Perry is an ultra-runner, dedicated educator, and INOV8 ambassador with a passion for the outdoors and pushing her limits. On this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, Sarah shares her journey from her Yorkshire roots to breaking records on the South West Coast Path (SWCP).
Living in Cumbria and working in adult education, Sarah balances her career with her love for long-distance running. Growing up with family holidays in the Lakes, Wales, and Scotland, she developed a love for the hills. After lockdown, Sarah sought a healthier balance, moving to a greener environment and embracing running for the joy it brings.
In March 2024, Sarah set a new British backyard running record, showcasing her mental resilience and strategic approach to ultra-running. Her most notable achievement came with her record-breaking, self-supported run of the SWCP, covering 630 miles in 13 days, 11 hours, and 31 minutes. Despite a failed attempt in 2023 due to injury, her meticulous planning and determination led to success.
As an INOV8 ambassador, Sarah discusses her favourite gear and the support she receives from the brand. She also talks about the importance of community and staying motivated, even when balancing a full-time job with intense training.
Looking ahead, Sarah is preparing for future challenges, including the 13 Valleys Ultra in September and the Winter Spine in January 2025. Her story highlights the power of dreaming big, learning from failures, and the importance of detailed planning.
Tune in to hear Sarah Perry's story, her adventures on the SWCP, and her advice for women looking to elevate their running: "Dream big and don’t forget the spreadsheet!" Connect with Sarah on social media to follow her journey and upcoming challenges.
🎙️ Don't miss the latest episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast, released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 AM UK time! 📅
Be sure to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on the incredible journeys and stories of strong women. 💪✨
This episode of the Tough Girl Podcast is proudly sponsored by INOV8, pioneers in cutting-edge sportswear. 👟🔥
Use code TOUGHGIRL15 to get your 15% discount. 💸 Click Here. 🌟
Listen to Sarah Now!
Click here if you can't see the link below.
Show notes
Who is Sarah - Teacher, dog mum & ultra-runner.
Living in Cumbria and working in adult education
Doing a little bit of longer distance running!
Running the South West Coast Path (SWCP)
Breaking the record (self supported) 630 miles in 13 days, 11 hours and 31 mins
Growing up in Yorkshire
Making a change after lockdown and deciding to move somewhere greener
Having an older brother and being quite competitive
Having family holiday in the Lakes, Wales and Scotland and doing lots of walking in the hills
Not having the healthiest balance with running when she first started in her early 20s
Trying to gain control in her life
Why your 20s can be so stressful
Using running as an escape and a tool for finding herself
Running for the love of it and not doing super structured training programs
Setting a new British backyard running record in March 2024
What is a backyard ultra?
4.2 miles per lap, going out on the hour, every hour until 1 person is left.
The mental side of a back yard ultra - and the tactics involved?
Getting her head down and doing her own thing.
52 mins for each lap - approx 8/10 mins to recover
What goes on during the rest break
Not wanting to run until she dropped
The reality of running while having a job and living
Staying in the zone and thinking of the small things
Becoming an INOV8 ambassador
Favourite INOV8 Trainers - Trailfly
Fell shoe - INOV8 Mudtalon Speed
Attempting to run the SWCP last year in 2023 and needing to stop on day 3 due to an injury
The reason for going self supported
Planning for the SWCP
Trying to figure out how far to run each day….
Working out ferry crossings, food and water stops
Living out the adventure via the spreadsheet, before even stepping on the path
Needing to fail the first time, in order to understand what it would take to go again
Training and getting mentally ready
Hill sessions, back to back running and a few structured sessions
Being worried about safety
Needing to embrace all the things that you can’t control
Being able to zone out while on the trail and visualising the end goal
Facing challenges everyday while out on the SWCP
The weather and the mud…
Highlights from the run
Why there were more positive moments, than negative
The final 20 miles…
Having to dig so deep
How to connect with Sarah on social media
Future challenges and goals
13 Valleys Ultra in September
The Winter Spine - January 2025
Final words of advice for women who want to take their running to the next level
Why you should dream big
Don’t forget the spreadsheet!
Social Media
Instagram: @sarahperry19917
Feeling inspired week after week?
You can do 3 easy things to help me continue to grow the podcast!
Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, so you won’t miss a single episode
If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on iTunes! I read every single comment!
Share the podcast with your friends, especially if you think it could help them, and spread the #ToughGirlPodcast love.
Your support helps me continue to grow the podcast and do inspiring things in this space! Already done all 3? You’re a rockstar! Thank you!
Want to do more?
Please become a Patron and donate US$5 a month to help fund the runnings costs. Thank you.
Comments